H EARTB EAT

The ‘Birch Hills Heartbeat’ newsletter is printed bi-monthly and available at the following locations on the 1st and 15th of the month: Lake Country Co-op, Cornerstone Insurance, Grumpy’s Confectionary, Quayles Pharmacy, and various other businesses downtown. Pick up your free copy and share with a friend. Send your email address and request to be added to newsletter emailing list to [email protected]

December 15th, 2017 Issue 156

Merry Christmas! D ECEMBER issues of this Birch Hills activity news How lovely it is to drive around town in letter was sponsored by: the evening and see all the beautiful lights and decorations on houses, the condo build- TURQUOISE TREE COUNSELLING & WELLNESS INC ing and businesses. Tis the season to be cheery and If you would like to be a sponsor of the ‘Heartbeat’ newsletter, bright, but for some this time can be sad and lonely. contact Laurie at 306-749-7451/[email protected]. The To those, I urge you to come to any of the commu- cost is $100 by 3 sponsors ($300/mos) for printing, advertising and ensuring that the newsletter stays free for everyone. nity activities being offered. You will be glad you did! And to others, I encourage you to invite a new community member to celebrate with your friends and family. I’d bet you Blackhawks Comedy Night would be glad you did! with Comedian, Wishing you all a safe & joyous holiday!! Jody Peters . Laurie Berube, Rec Director Saturday, January 6th, 2018 If you find yourself away from family on Christmas day, we Tickets available from Birch Hills invite you to come celebrate with us at the BH Community Senior Hockey Team Players Church. (4th & Bellamy) We will be hosting a $25 each @ BH Civic Centre Christmas Day turkey & ham Dinner. Dance to follow. No Minors Allowed Beginning at noon, with visiting and games to follow until 3:00pm. Dinner will be provided, but CELEBRATE THE REASON FOR THE SEASON please feel free to bring games & potluck Everyone is welcome... snacks. No registration necessary, Bethania Christmas Candle Light Service we will see you Christmas Day! Saturday, December 23rd, 2017 7:30pm Bethania Church Northern Light BOXING DAY DANCE Tuesday, December 26th Sunday, December 24th, 2017 @ the Civic Centre in BH Birchview Home Christmas Eve Service At the home 6:30pm United Church hosts Hosted by the BH Fire Department DJ TJAY from St Louis Candlelight Christmas Eve Service Midnight Lunch, door prizes, and friends @ Lake Park Baptist Church $15 in advance / $20 at the door 7:00pm Contact your local firemen or tickets available at BH Coop Birch Hills Community Church ‘FULL OF CHEER’ Roughrider Cooler Raffle tickets Christmas Eve Service available and will be drawn at the dance $5ea or 3/$10 7:30pm (Corner of 4th & Bellamy)

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Anonymous Donation to Birch Hills School CRYSTAL SPRINGS COMMUNITY EVENTS November 29, 2017

The principal of Birch Hills Public School Crystal Poker Rally: Saturday, Feb 3rd (2018) received an amazing phone call a few weeks ago. Coffee Row: Crystal Springs Rec Co-op Once a Month Can you imagine a phone call out of the blue from Coffee Row 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Crystal Springs Hall someone who is interested in supporting children Everyone is Welcome! and youth with a significant donation? Birch Hills Next Date is: Wednesday December 6th Public School, and the entire Rivers School Division, are amazed and grateful at the generosity of a Birch Hills School alumni who Birchview Nursing Home Dec Activities recently made such a phone call. Jeff Court, the All are welcome to attend. 2:30pm start, Principal of Birch Hills Public School, recently unless otherwise noted received this call and days later, a visitor stopped by the school with a check for $100,000. Dec 15th Step Out Dancers 20th Job Mates Band “Santa visit” This is a private donation from a former student 21st Piano Recital 3:30pm of the school. It is not a corporate gift. The donor, 24th Christmas Eve Service 6:30pm who prefers to remain anonymous, made it clear 29th New Years Party w/ Salt Water Joy Band that the donation is unconditional and nothing is If you have a talent to entertain, contact Shelley to set a date expected in return. His wishes are that the donation will encourage all alumni to come forward and remember the contribution they received from their BIRCH HLLS SCHOOL NEWS public school experience. Alumni frequently donate to post-secondary institutions but rarely Dec 15-16th Sr Boys Basketball Tournament give financial support to their public school Pre-K 18th - 22nd SPIRIT WEEK to 12 education which has been equally influential Mon 18th Canadian Tuxedo Day (all jean) in molding their future. Tues 19th Meme / Emoji Day “We are honored and humbled by this generous Christmas Concert 1:30 & 7:00 donation to the Birch Hills Public School Wed 20th Christmas Symbol Day community,” said Mr. Court. “We graciously 20th & 21st Bake Sale & Candy Grams (must pre-order) accept the challenge to manage this gift wisely as Thurs 21st Ugly Christmas Sweater & Pizza Sale we positively impact the current and future Fri 22nd Formal Day, Christmas Dinner and Formal Dance students of Birch Hills.” It is an exciting December 23-Jan 7th, 2018 opportunity to be privileged by this amazing gift.

Mr. Court, along with the students, staff and the Christmas Break!! parents are in progress with plans for how to best use this donation. There are a number of possible Jan. 8 - First day of classes 2018 ideas, but as Mr. Court indicated, they will take the time to plan for the best possible current and long range benefits to students. The students and Birch Hills Public School Fundraiser families will certainly express gratitude in a “Food For Thought” Cookbook number of ways, but perhaps the best way to say The cookbook consists of 110 pages with 186 thanks is to ensure that his gift is well-used to recipes submitted from our Kindergarten to Grade support students. The Birch Hills school 12 families and Birch Hills community members. community will certainly make sure that happens. We are expecting the books to arrive the week of December 18th and will send home with your child. For further information contact: If you do not have a child attending school, we Robert Bratvold, Director of Education will call you and you can pick the books up at the office. If you would like to purchase a cookbook ($15/book), THANK YOU! THANK YOU! please contact Angie Laroche at [email protected] or (306) 749-3301.

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BIRCH HILLS & AREA BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS and NEWSLETTER SPONSOR

TURQUOISE TREE COUNSELLING & WELLNESS INC www.turquoisetreecounselling.com [email protected] Erin McLeod and Tiffany Olson are registered clinical Social Workers who share a vision of working with people that seek to improve themselves and lives. Turquoise Tree Counselling and Wellness Inc. offers a wide variety of counselling and coaching services in all areas of relationships, grief & loss, self esteem/confidence, stress management, anxiety, depression and overall mental health wellness using a variety of types of therapy that are tailored to our clients needs. Each individual is on their own unique journey in life. We believe that education and self- determination are key elements of the journey. Counselling services may be covered through the client's employee insurance plans. Two offices you can find us at: 2040- 2387 10th Ave W Prince Albert 306-922-2777 OR #6-102 McKendry Ave Melfort, SK 306-752-1020

CREATING HEALTHY BOUNDARIES WORKSHOPS in Prince Albert Thursday, Jan 18th Victoria Square 6-9pm / Melfort Monday, Jan 22nd McKendry Ave Office 6:00 — 9:00pm $60 Fee Snacks, refreshments and door prizes.

A BOUQUET of THANKS to ST MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH NEWS the BH Dance Centre and helpers of the Haunted Arena that was held in Community Lunches: 11:30-1:00pm October. The proceeds were donated All community residents are welcome to join us for soup to the Skating Arena. Your donation & bun Friday, December 15th, 2017 towards the arena is very much appreciated Next Date December 29, 2017

Sun, Dec 17th Lessons & Carols 5:00pm COME AND GO TEA w/ Potluck Supper 90th Birthday Celebration for

Jewel Cochrane FAMILY SERVICES continues on the 4th Sunday of each Sunday December 17th 2-4pm month. Next Date December 24th, 10:30 am at the Birch Hills Lutheran Church 48 Bellamy Ave All are welcome for an interactive service at the Hovdebo Please join us in celebrating our Mom on her special Family Farm. Contact Father Chris 306-930-0748 for day. All are welcome for birthday cake, coffee and more information. Come for an interactive church service visiting time!

COME CELEBRATE BIRCH HILLS UNITED CHURCH NEWS: 75th birthday celebration for Thank you to everyone who has supported the United Church over the Larry Evans past year. We are pleased to announce that the Quiet Room at Birchview is Saturday, part of our local outreach ministry and was funded with money donated to Dec 23rd, 2017 our Memorial Fund over the years. When all is completed we hope that it 2:00 - 4:00pm provides families of very ill residents a place to get away from the everyday at the Civic Centre activities and even a space to rest or stay overnight if necessary. The draw for the homemade “Choir Gown Quilt” and “Choir Gown Apron” was made at the Ladies’ Luncheon on Dec. 8. Winner of the quilt Christmas Tree Drop off was Chelsea Lussier and winner of the apron was Rosalind Doderai. Huge Will be beside the Post Office downtown, at thanks to Verna Unger for all the time and work spent on the quilt and to the back alley… These Brenda Getz for sewing the apron. will be used for the We hope you can join us at one or both of our special Christmas Eve Winter Festival Bonfire & Toboggining Night on services. We plan to hold our regular service at 9:30 a.m. and then will February 3rd have an evening service at 6:30 p.m. with the residents at Birchview.

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News from the Birch Hiils Sno-Posse Annual Christmas Hamper Appeal Local snowmobile club hosts 23rd Annual Rally Every year at this time, the Ministerial gives Christmas hampers February 10th, 2018 to local families in need. In recent Registration starts 8-1pm at Civic Centre years, we have seen an increased Pancake Breakfast, BBQ lunch, Prizes demand for these hampers.

FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY The Birch Hills This program depends on the Sno-Posse Club is seeking out an organization/club generosity of the local congregations and the that is willing to look after the kitchen at the 2018 entire community. We are most grateful for your support in years past. Rally. The commitment will entail providing breakfast,

lunch and supper starting at 8 am and ending at ap- The churches and the Co-op will soon begin to prox. 8/9 pm, located at the Birch Hills Civic Centre. receive donations of non-perishable food items. Please email, message or text me why your club wishes Cheques can be made payable to the to commit to this. Those that show interest will be 'Birch Hills & District Ministerial Association.' You may give them to any of the local pastors. selected by December 31, 2017. Thank you very much for your support. We If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to wish you and your families a blessed Advent ask. Email [email protected] or text/call and Christmas. 960.9246. Please submit by December 22nd, 2017. "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty

might become rich." (2 Cor. 8:9) Birch Hills PUBLIC LIBRARY News Birch Hills & District Ministerial Association KIDS CHRISTMAS CRAFT for ages 5-12yrs Cross Country Skiers Thursday, December 21st 3:30 pm Trails are being set at the golf course. If FREE, thanks to Sask Lotteries Community you would like to try x-country skiing, Fund. Only 10 spots available, pls register at there are some skis available at the Rec 306-749-3281 Office. Contact Laurie 306-749-7451 for more info. Follow updates on Facebook STORY TIME with Mrs Joanne Thursdays @ 1:30pm “Birch Hills Cross Country Ski Club’ Feel free to Join us for Story Time now on For pre-schoolers share ski trail information and partner up and try new trails around Sask. New Library Hours - Started in November Tues 11-4, 5-8 ; and Thurs 9-12, 1-6 A BOUQUET OF THANKS

Buy Local or Bye Bye Local.. The Birch Hills & District Combined Appeal committee would like to express When shopping for the upcoming holiday season, keep in their sincere appreciation to all who so mind decorations, gifts, spirits, food, gas and more can be generously contributed to another purchased right here in town.. Other ideas for stocking successful campaign. Thank you to those who sat at the B.H. Credit Union, thank stuffers that also help to support local businesses & groups: you to the Birch Hills Credit union for allowing us to have our table set up there and for all the Gifts or Certificates from: BHGolf Course, Quayles Pharmacy, services they provide to us each year. Wong's Restaurant, Birch Tree Cafe, KG Bar & Grill, Post Of- The 2017 Birch Hills & District fice, Grumpy's Confectionary, LakeCountry Coop, Pash Yoga Combined Appeal donations totaled $9,660.00. Raffle Tickets from local groups: Skating Club Progressive 50/50, Rink Annual Vacation Getaway raffle and a Curling Rink Christmas Basket of Cheer raffle. Minor Sports RECYCLE Elimination Draw Please Share Newsletter with a friend Send request to Tickets & Gifts: Blackhawks Comedy Night tix, Firemens [email protected] Boxing Day Dance tix, BH School home cooking cook book to receive the news letter online

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BIRCH HILLS SKATING ARENA NEWS

Public Skating is FREE this season. Thanks to funding from Blackhawks Senior Hockey the Community Sask Lotteries grant funding Dec 15th Home Game vs Clavet Public Skate times are Collecting for Community Food Hamper Tuesdays and Fridays 3:30 - 5:30pm. (1 draw ticket for ea food donation) Saturday and Sunday Family Skate 2:00 - 4:00pm Dec 17th Away vs Clavet Membership Fees are $30 for individuals or families of Dec 29th Away vs St Louis Minor Hockey/Skate Club. Family membership $60. Thank you for supporting your local skating arena Dec 30th Home Game vs St Louis Guaranteed $500 50/50 courtesy Pls pay at the canteen. Kitchen will be open Monday-Friday of Carter’s Custom Ag PLUS Calcutta Shot-out 4pm and until the last period of the last game of the evening. after the game

If you are interested in joining a rec hockey team, contact: W/L/OL - 5/1/1 GO HAWKS! Men’s Rec Hockey: Hawkeyes Thurs Elston 961-2842 Goosers Wed Mitch 749-7978 Ladies Rec hockey: Barracudas Carole 749-7446 MINOR HOCKEY Home Games

Book Private Ice for extra practice for you or with friends, Dec 19 Bantam vs Red Earth 6:45pm for family gatherings, birthday parties or teams. Ice Rentals call/text Justine 749-7989 Jan 9 PeeWee vs Tisdale White 7:00pm 10 Midget vs Shoal Lake 6:45pm 12 Atom vs Carrot River 6:30pm BH Skate Club Progressive 50/50 21 PeeWee vs Red Earth 4:15pm Draw date Jan 11/18 @ 6pm at the Skating Arena. Tickets are $3 each, 2 for $5.00 Birch Hills Barracudas hosting

Proceeds will go towards the purchase of fab- 5th Ladies Hockey Tournament ric to go around the rink boards for the carni- Saturday, January 6th val to use for years to come. Any left over funds will be Contact Rec Office used to off set the cost of the carnival. ie decorations, costumes, etc. You can purchase tickets from our local for more info 749-7451 businesses in town or from one of the skating families.

The BH Skating Club would like to thank your in advance for your support

Community Funding Assists our Rec Activities in Birch Hills 7th Annual Brrrr Chills Winter Festival February 1 to …., 2018 So far, we have planned.. Cans, Bottles & Milk Jugs Piling Up?

Thursday School Carnival, Birchview Home Carnival Youth Center Always Appreciated Donations of the Friday St Anne’s Luncheon, Sr Hockey Home Game following BEVERAGE CONTAINERS Saturday Community Art Class & Showcase Aluminum/Tin Cans SnowPitch (teams play ball in the snow!) Plastic Bottles & Jugs INCLUDING MILK Sliding Hill, Weiner Roast and Fireworks (please rinse milk containers) There is still room for more activities if your group is Glass Bottles, Clear & Colored (Wine, Juice) Juice Boxes and Cartons wanting to join in. Contact the Rec Office before the Refillable Beer Bottles new year with your ideas. We are not able to accept Non Beverage Containers Thanks to the businesses that have already or Plastic Household Containers Such as Soap, Javex, Glass Jars from Jam, expressed interest in donations or financial Pickles, etc or Soup Cans support and to those that are helping to plan for another fun festival. Donations can be dropped off at back of Youth Ctr anytime or call 749-2478 5

Laurie Berube, Christmas Idea! Purchase a 2018 Golf Recreation Director membership (or gift certificate) for your Box 280, Birch Hills, Sk S0J 0G0 loved one at 2017 prices. We also offer INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS OF ANNUAL GREEN FEES POLICY Office Located at: 146 Bellamy Ave EARLY PAYMENT OF ANNUAL GREEN FEES MEMBERSHIPS Office Hours Mon, Wed, Thurs 9am-12pm General Hours M-F 9am-4pm text or call Cell: 306-749-7451 or 2017 prices: Adult: $575.00 E-mail: [email protected] Junior (18 years and under): $125.00 - includes a driving range pass Facebook Page: ‘Town of Birch Hills Community & Recreation’ Family membership (2 adults 2 juniors): $1275.00 Town Website: www.birchhills.ca For gift certificates, installment payments or early purchase of green fees and more info. Contact Laurie Berube in the Recreation Office Braggin’ about our Own! 306-749-7451 Or call Lorisa Ganes at 749 7756

Kara Thevenot (Kilden), a curler that grew up in the Birch Hills area (Northern Lights) and curled in our local curling rink, is on one of the Saskatchewan teams that will compete at the 2018 Viterra Scotties Women’s Provincial Curling Championship in Melfort on January 2 to 7th, 2018.

Kara Thevenot, lead, will compete with Team Silvernagle along with Robyn Silvernagle, third Jolene Campbell and second Dayna Demers. GOOD LUCK LADIES!

Birch Hills Curling News Upcoming Events

Weekly league curling December 15 - St Mary’s Community Luncheon - Sr Boys Basketball Tourney Tues/Fri afternoons 12:30pm - Sr Hockey Home Game (vs Clavet) Wed night 2 Person Sponsored by Cervus Equipment 17 - Tea for Jewel Cochrane 90th bday Thurs Night Super League Sponsored by Cornerstone Insurance 19 - School Christmas Concert 21 - Library Kids Christmas Craft 23 - Bethania Candle Light Service Upcoming Bonspiels - Larry Evans Bday Celebration 24 - Community Church Christmas Eve Service Jan 22 - 26th Seniors Bonspiel Open - Anglican Family Services Jan 27, 2018 Cattleman’s Bonspiel (invitational) - Birchview Christmas Eve Service Feb 9/10 Ladies 80’s Theme Bonspiel Open 25 - BHCC Community Christmas Supper (pg 1) Mar 2 & 3 Open 4 Person Bonspiel 26 - Firemen's Boxing Day Dance 29 - Sr Hockey Away Game (in St Louis) Mar 23/24 2 Person Bonspiel & Season Wind Up 30 - Sr Hockey Home Game (vs St Louis) January 2-7th Provincial Women's Curling . STOCKING GIFT IDEA…. 6 - Ladies Hockey Tourney - Sr Hockey Comedy Night Annual Weekend Getaway Raffle tickets on sale now. 22-26th - Seniors Open Bonspiel Christmas Spirit Basket Raffle tickets also available. 27/28 - Cattleman’s Bonspiel February 1st wkend Brrr Chills Winter Festival Thx for your support with these curling fundraisers! 3 - Crystal Springs Poker Rally 9/10 - Ladies 80’s theme Bonspiel 9 - Wing Night @ Curling Rink - Minor Sports Elimination Draw &Dance Birch Hills Ladies Curling Bonspiel 10 - Sno Posse Annual Sno-Rally 80’s Theme February 9 & 10, 2018 The Birch Hills Guiding Associations would like to thank all of the vendors

and everyone who supported our fall Join us Friday Night for our wing night trade show. Watch for details of a from 6-8pm Non Curlers welcome spring trade show. We would also like

to thank those who supported our poinsettia Register your team of 4 with Jackie Mickelson 306-961-1550 fundraiser. Thanks! BH Guiding Assoc 6